Thai activist Somyot apologises to woman over alleged sexual misconduct
Thai political activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk has apologised to a woman identified as “A” following allegations of sexual assault, but a social media page that published an interview with the woman has rejected his account of their relationship. Somyot, 64, posted an apology on Facebook on 22 August, saying he had believed A had consented to […] The post Thai activist Somyot apologises to woman…
Political activist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, 64, issued an apology on Facebook on August 22 for alleged sexual misconduct, according to social media reports. He stated that he believed his actions had been consensual, but acknowledged this was not the case as described by the woman involved, whom he identified as "A". Somyot claimed they had been in a relationship for two years, but the Socialgaze page that interviewed "A" denied the relationship ever occurred, saying Somyot had asked for secrecy due to fear of public knowledge of his actions.
The page characterized the allegation as rape and abuse of power, not consensual relations, and accused Somyot of attempting to frame the incident as consensual. Several other individuals contacted the page with similar experiences, alleging a pattern of behaviour over several years. Somyot's apology acknowledged a misunderstanding regarding consent, but the Socialgaze page insisted no such relationship existed and called for greater awareness of consent and power dynamics, particularly within activist movements.
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